Chhath Puja 2026 Date: Check four-day calendar, significance of each day, rituals from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya

Chhath Puja, one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, will be observed from Friday, November 13, to Monday, November 16, 2026. Celebrated with great devotion, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and several other parts of India, the four-day festival involves fasting, prayers, traditional offerings and rituals performed near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.

Chhath Puja 2026 Date

Chhath Puja will begin on November 13 and conclude on November 16.

Chhath Puja 2026: Date-Wise Rituals

Nahay Khay – November 13, 2026

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of the four-day Chhath Puja festival. The day is associated with purification, cleanliness and preparations for the upcoming religious rituals.

Devotees wake up early, take a holy dip in rivers or other water bodies and wear clean clothes. They also thoroughly clean their homes and kitchens before preparing the traditional sattvik meal. The food generally includes kaddu (bottle gourd), chana dal and rice, cooked using ghee and rock salt.

Kharna – November 14, 2026
The second day of Chhath Puja is observed as Kharna. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and consume food only after sunset, following the evening prayers.

A special prasad is prepared for the occasion, usually consisting of jaggery-based kheer, wheat roti and fruits. The food is traditionally cooked in earthen utensils and offered during the puja before being distributed among family members.

Sandhya Arghya – November 15, 2026
Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important days of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees prepare traditional offerings, including thekua, fruits, sugarcane and other seasonal produce, which are arranged in bamboo baskets and soops.

In the evening, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds and designated Chhath ghats with their families. Standing in water, they offer Arghya (water offerings) to the setting Sun and pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families.

Usha Arghya – November 16, 2026
Usha Arghya marks the final day of Chhath Puja. Devotees wake up early and gather at riverbanks and other water bodies before sunrise to offer prayers to the rising Sun.

As the Sun rises, devotees stand in water and offer Arghya using water, milk and traditional offerings. They pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for good health, long life, happiness and prosperity for their families.

Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. According to Hindu beliefs, the Sun is the source of energy, light and life, and worshipping him is considered a way of expressing gratitude for nature's blessings.

The festival is also associated with prayers for the long life, good health and prosperity of children and family members. Devotees observe strict fasting, maintain cleanliness and offer prayers to both the setting and rising Sun.